It is with sadness that I share the news that the Shrine of St. Katherine Drexel, located on the grounds of the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, will be closing in 2017. According to the press release, the Sisters are selling the property, which was purchased by St. Katherine Drexel herself in 1891, as well as another large piece of property. The Shrine is home to the St. Katherine Drexel Artifacts Gallery that includes her habit, her wheelchair, her crucifix, and her habit rosary among other things. The body of St. Katherine lies under the main altar of the chapel for pilgrims to venerate. The Shrine will remain open through 2017 and according to the release, “the remains of St. Katherine Drexel will be moved, when the time is right, to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and placed near the altar already honoring her.”

If you have the opportunity to visit the Shrine in 2016, GO! Once we move into 2017 it will be even more important for you to check the Shrine’s website and call ahead before finalizing your plans. The National Shrine of St. Katherine Drexel is a treasure of the Catholic faith and I hope you will make time to visit before it is gone. I’m sure this was a difficult decision for the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Please pray for them as they make this major change and move to a new home.